Morgan replied not to this deprecation, save by swearing--covertly,
though it might be--at the impudence and insubordination of these
inferior agents, whose disorderly conduct it was necessary to connive
at, while they were looked upon as saints and prophets--men from whose
presence was impiously expected the blessing and protection of heaven.
A loud screaming was heard, and Rigby, darting a furious look through
the doorway, ordered it to be closed.
"Another porker!" said he. "I verily think she hath provision behind the
walls that would last out our siege till doomsday. There is treachery
somewhere. Have we not heard, morning by morning, the self-same cry?"
"A whole herd of swine have been martyred in the cause," said Morgan,
sneeringly.
"Every day they have slain a pig," said the leader of the drums. "Two
score and eight," reckoning upon his fingers. "Verily a drove from the
legion."
They knew not that this unfortunate swine, the only one in the garrison,
was made to perform so uncomfortable a duty every morning to mislead the
besiegers, and impress them with the idea of a plentiful supply within
the walls.
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